Soluble fertilizer formulation and method for use thereof

ABSTRACT

A fertilizer including a growth enhancing component, in at least one example a co-polymer of fulvic acid and poly-metallic humates is present in the amount of from about 80% to about 90% by weight, based on a total weight of the fertilizer; a plurality of elements present in the amount of from about 3% to about 7% by weight, based on the total weight of the fertilizer; and one or more secondary nutrients, micronutrients, and biologically active heteromolecular trace-metal complexes present in the amount of from about 3% to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the fertilizer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/438,909, filed Feb. 22, 2017, the entire contentof which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The following description relates generally to fertilizers, morespecifically, the disclosure herein relates to soluble fertilizers foruse in stimulating health and growth of plants.

BACKGROUND

Fertilizers can be added to the soil or foliage of crops to supply theelements necessary for proper plant nutrition. Typically, elements suchas nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are used to make upthe basic components of standard fertilizers. However, modern, complexfertilizers can contain a variety of micronutrients and a growthenhancing mixture (also referred to herein as “GEM”) having growthpromoters, vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates and polysaccharides inaddition to the basic components.

Modern agricultural technologies can also use pesticides can include therelease of Due to the negative effect both fertilizers and pesticidescan have on the environment, there are on-going efforts by those in thefield to reduce the amount of substances necessary to treat plants toincrease growth Thus, there is a need in the field for new agriculturalchemicals, and methods for application thereof, that decreases theamount of basic fertilizers and pesticides used, while improving thegrowth and stress tolerance of plants.

SUMMARY

The present inventive concept provides a humate based fertilizer (alsoreferred to herein as a “Universal Bio Protector”, or “UBP”) which isreadily water-soluble and adapted for seed treatment and foliarapplication. The fertilizer of the present inventive concept generallyincludes a fertilizer containing humic compound (such as the co-polymerof fulvic acid and poly-metallic humates (referred to herein as“CPFAPH”)), chelated micronutrients, and biologically active metalliccatalysts.

The aforementioned may be achieved in an aspect of the present inventiveconcept by providing a fertilizer having a growth enhancing componentpresent in the amount of from about 80% to about 90% by weight, aplurality of elements present in the amount of from about 3% to about 7%by weight, and one or more secondary nutrients, micronutrients, andbiologically active heteromolecular trace-metal complexes present in theamount of from about 3% to about 10% by weight, based on the totalweight of the fertilizer. The growth enhancing component may include aco-polymer of fulvic acid and poly-metallic humates (CPFAPH). Theplurality of elements may include, but are not limited to, nitrogencompounds, phosphorus compounds, and sulfur compounds. The growthenhancing component may include promoters selected from the groupconsisting of cytokinins, purines, gibberellins, and auxins. The growthenhancing component may include vitamins and at least one componentselected from the group consisting of growth promoters, amino acids,carbohydrates, and polysaccharides. The growth enhancing component mayinclude dry probiotics.

The aforementioned may be achieved in another aspect of the presentinventive concept by providing a method of promoting crop production.The method may include mixing a fertilizer and applying the fertilizerto a crop. The method may include dissolving the fertilizer in anaqueous solution, soaking a plurality of seeds in the solution for apredetermined duration, placing the fertilizer into a spray tank, andspraying the crops with the liquid fertilizer solution. The fertilizermay be dissolved in water to obtain a liquid fertilizer mixture. Thecrops may be sprayed at predetermined time intervals. The crops may besprayed two to four times with the liquid fertilizer solution. Thefertilizer may include twenty to fifty percent by weight water solublefertilizing nitrogen and phosphorus compounds. The fertilizer may bedried in a vacuum spray dryer at a temperature of from about eighty toninety degrees Celsius.

The aforementioned may be achieved in another aspect of the presentinventive concept by providing a method for producing a crop productionpromoting material including producing a growth enhancing componentthrough alkaline hydrolysis of peat. The method may include performing aliquid-phase oxidation of the peat hydrolistate and an alkaline agentsolution. The alkaline agent solution may be selected from the groupconsisting of potassium hydroxide (KOH) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This present disclosure relates to a fertilizer (also referred to hereinas a “universal bio protector”, or “UBP”) that can improve theeffectiveness of various nutrient inputs, or “nutrient uptake, andenhance a plant's ability to convert the nutrient into a growthresponse. The disclosure further provides a method for dissolving thedisclosed fertilizer in water to form a solution that can be used duringpre-sowing treatment of seeds, as well as a method for spraying thesolution on the desired crops throughout the growing process.

The phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. For example, the useof a singular term, such as, “a” is not intended as limiting of thenumber of items. Further, it should be understood that any one of thefeatures of the present inventive concept may be used separately or incombination with other features. Other systems, methods, features, andadvantages of the present inventive concept will be, or become, apparentto one having skill in the art upon examination of the figures and thedetailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems,methods, features, and advantages be included within this description,be within the scope of the present inventive concept, and be protectedby the accompanying claims.

Several definitions that apply throughout this disclosure will now bepresented. The term “substantially” is defined to be essentiallyconforming to the particular dimension, shape or other word thatsubstantially modifies, such that the component need not be exact. Theterms “comprising,” “including” and “having” are used interchangeably inthis disclosure. The terms “comprising,” “including” and “having” meanto include, but not necessarily be limited to the things so described.

Further, any term of degree such as, but not limited to, “about” or“approximately,” as used in the description and the appended claims,should be understood to include the recited values or a value that isthree times greater or one third of the recited values. For example,about 3 mm includes all values from 1 mm to 9 mm, and approximately 50degrees includes all values from 16.6 degrees to 150 degrees.

As used herein, the term “co-polymer of fulvic acid and poly-metallichumates” (CPFAPH) refers to a growth enhancing component having achemical formula of, for example, (C₁₄H₁₂O₈)_(m) [C₉H₈(M₁, M₂, M₃, . . .)O₄]_(n) and a schematic structure formula of FA-(M₁, M₂, M₃, . . .)-HA, for example, FA-(K; Na; . . . )-HA, FA-(K; Cu; Zn; . . . )-HA,etc., where FA is fulvic acid, HA is humic acid and M₁, M₂, M₃ . . . aremetals.

As used herein, the term “hydrolyzates” refers to any product of ahydrolysis reaction.

Finally, the term “chelate” as used herein refers to a compoundcontaining a ligand bonded to a central metal atom at two or morepoints.

The present disclosure provides a fertilizer including a mixture ofgrowth enhancing components (referred to herein as a “growth enhancingmixture”). Such components can include, but are not limited to, aco-polymer of fulvic acid and poly-metallic humates (CPFAPH) present inan amount of from about 80% to about 90% by weight, based on a totalweight of the fertilizer; macro nutrients (such as, nitrogen (N),phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) compounds) present in an amount offrom about 3% to about 7% by weight, based on a total weight of thefertilizer; and secondary nutrients (such as, calcium (Ca), magnesium(Mg), and sulfur (S)) and micro nutrients (such as, zinc (Zn), copper(Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu)) present in an amountof from about 3% to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight ofthe fertilizer. The fertilizer mixture can also include biologicallyactive catalytic trace-metals including, but not limited to, molybdenum(Mo), vanadium (V), cobalt (Co), and nickel (Ni). The biologicallyactive catalytic trace-metals can be present in an amount of from about1% to about 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the fertilizer.

Some fertilizers have been adjusted to include the use of humates.Humates are naturally occurring materials that are rich in humifiedorganic matter and contain effective humic substances, such as humicacid and fulvic acids. Specifically, humic acid is a powerful promotantof beneficial fungi and can also stabilize nitrogen content in soil,allowing for improved nitrogen efficiency. Humic acid also containscomplex phosphates and humates are the only known substance with theability to hold onto all other nutrients in the soil, which allows forheightened nutrient absorption. Humates contain an auxin-like growthpromotant that can enhance cell division and increase the permeabilityof plant cells, allowing for around twice the nutrient uptake. Researchhas shown that the presence of humic substances in soil increases soilwater retention, provides available carbon to soil, promotes growth ofliving cells, chelate ions in soil and solubilize hydrocarbons intowater phase.

Specifically, the growth enhancing mixture can include one or morevitamins and at least one other component. The at least one othercomponent can include, but is not limited to, growth promoters, aminoacids, carbohydrates, polysaccharides, and dry probiotics. The growthenhancing mixture is present in the fertilizer in an amount of fromabout 5% to about 10% by weight, based on a total weight of thefertilizer. As discussed above, the fertilizer can generally includeCPFAPH, a mixture of macro nutrients, secondary nutrients, and micronutrients, and a predetermined amount of biologically active catalytictrace-metals. The amount of each of the individual components can beadjusted as needed, or desired, based on factors including, but notlimited to, the type of crop to be fertilized, the type and conditionsof the soil, and any other factors determined to be relevant.

I. Composition

The main growth enhancing component of the disclosed fertilizer isco-polymer of fulvic acid and poly-metallic humates (CPFAPH), having achemical formula of, for example, (C₁₄H₁₂O₈)_(m) [C₉H₈(K;Na;Mg;)₂O₄]_(n)and a schematic structural formula of, for example, FA-(K)-HA,FA-(K;Na)-HA, FA-(K;Na;Mg)-HA, etc., where FA is fulvic acid and HA ishumic acid.

In at least one example, the CPFAPH can be produced through the aliquid-phase oxidation of a mixture of an alkaline agent (including, butnot limited to, potassium hydroxide (KOH) and/or sodium hydroxide(NaOH)) and a lignin-containing raw material, (including but not limitedto pulp from wood, peat, straw, hay, and the like) having a total drysubstance content in pulp of from about 12% to about 20% by weight,based on the total weight of the mixture. The production of CPFAPH canbe a multiple stage process. For example, in a first stage pre-oxidationcan be carried out at a temperature of from about 50° C. to about 190°C., and a pressure of from about 0.5 mega Pascal (MPa) to about 3 MPa,wherein the reaction mixture is simultaneously treated with anoxygen-containing gas until a pH of from about 10.5 to about 12 isachieved. In a second stage, the process can include an oxidation thatcan be carried out in at a temperature of from about 170° C. to about200° C., until pH of from about 8.5 to about 10 is achieved. Theproduction of cellulose using a sulphite process can produce aby-product comprising concentrated solutions of lignosulphonate orlignin containing pulp. The by-product can then be recycled and used asa lignin-containing raw material in a subsequent production process.

In an alternative example, a CPFAPH can be produced through aliquid-phase oxidation of a mixture of alkaline agent solution(including, but not limited to KOH and NaOH) with an alkalinehydrolisate of peat. The production process can take place in multiplesteps. In a first step, peat can be processed by hydrolysis using a 0.1molar (M) (around 0.6%) water solution of KOH and/or NaOH with the massratio “alkaline solution-peat” of from about 15:5 to about 7:5 for 72hours at a temperature of from about 15° C. to about 25° C. andatmospheric pressure (1 atm). A second step can include raising thealkaline agent solution concentration to about 2.0±0.1% and thesaturation of the peat pulp by hot air at a temperature of about 90° C.to about 100° C. and atmospheric pressure with the saturation of thereactor working space with air 2.5±0.2 m³/min m³. After about 2.5±0.5hours of liquid-phase oxidation, the solution of synthesized CPFAPH canbe separated from the peat pulp by centrifugation.

In at least one example, the CPFAPH mixture described herein cancomprise from about 18% to about 20% by weight dry substances, fromabout 1% to about 5% by weight ashes, and from about 70% to about 75% byweight organics, based on the total weight of the fertilizer; and have apH of from about 9 to about 10.

In at least one example, prior to the second step of the processdescribed above, fulvic acid (having an average chemical formulaC₁₃₅H₁₈₂O₉₅N₅S₂) and humic acid (having an average chemical formulaC₁₈₇H₁₈₆O₈₉N₉S₁) can be introduced into the reaction mixture havingnitrogen (N) and sulfur (S). The N and S can function as alloyingelements in the finished CPFAPH.

In order to prepare the CPFAPH into the reaction mixture must beintroduced specific poly-metallic catalysts which can be in the form ofsuitable water-soluble compounds. These catalysts can include, but arenot limited to, metals that are considered secondary nutrients (such as,calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg)), and micro nutrients (such as, zinc (Zn),copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and the like). The abovedescribed metals can remain, at least in part, in the end-solution ofCPFAPH in the form of humic chelates.

Chelated nutrients can be beneficial in both seed treatment and foliarapplication. Plant leaves and seeds can have waxy coatings to helpprevent them from drying out. However, the wax can also repel both waterand inorganic substances, preventing inorganic nutrients frompenetrating the seed or leaf. Metal-organic chelate molecules are ableto penetrate the waxy layers. Once absorbed, the chelate can releasenutrients to be used by the plant.

The end-product of CPFAPH can contain at least a certain amount ofchelated micro nutrients; however chelates having humic ligands are notstable at the high temperatures typically used during the dryingprocesses. Therefore, additional stable chelated micro nutrients can beintroduced into the end-product, including the UBP mix. A chelatingagent can be prepared having chelated calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc(Zn), and copper (Cu) and can also include ethylenediaminetetraaceticacid (EDTA). In the alternative, the preparation of a chelated manganese(Mn) and iron (Fe) can be used as a chelating agentethylenediamine-N,N′-bis(2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) (EDDHA). The ironand manganese of the EDDHA chelates are stable in solution having a highpH, even at high temperatures. Such chelated micro nutrients can beproduced by variety of well-known methods and are also commerciallyavailable from a variety of sources.

The chelated micro nutrients can then be introduced into a heatedend-product of CPFAPH to form heteromolecular metal complexes having twotypes of ligands, humic compounds and EDTA or EDDHA ligands. Compared toconventional EDTA and EDDHA chelates, the heteromolecular chelated micronutrients described herein can be more biologically active.

Biologically active trace-metals such as molybdenum (Mo), vanadium (V),nickel (Ni), and cobalt (Co) have been found to play an important rolein plant metabolism. Ni, in low concentrations, has been found tofulfill a variety of essential roles in plants, including being aconstituent of several metallo-enzymes such as urease, superoxidedismutase, NiFe hydrogenases, methyl coenzyme M reductase, carbonmonoxide dehydrogenase, and the like. Therefore, Ni deficiencies inplants can reduce urease activity, disturb N assimilation, and reducescavenging of superoxide free radical. Cobalt can significantly increasenitrogenase activity and is an essential element for the synthesis ofvitamin B12. As such, cobalt can be especially important for crops, suchas legumes, due to the ability of symbiotic microorganisms to fix toatmospheric nitrogen.

A trace-metal deficiency can produce an array of negative effects on thegrowth and metabolism of plants. These effects can include, but are notlimited to, reduced growth and induction of senescence, leaf andmeristem chlorosis, alterations in N metabolism, and reduced ironuptake. Providing trace-metal fertilization through foliar sprays canallow for effective elimination of internal trace-metal deficiency andraise the activity of metallo-enzymes, promoting stem elongation andleaf disc expansion, number of branches and leaves, and leaf area index.

In at least one example, the effective seed treatment and foliarapplication of the fertilizer can include heteromolecular trace-metalcomplexes. A heteromolecular metal complex can have a general formula of[CPFAPH]_(m)-M_(x)-[O]_(n), where O is a multi-valent organic moleculeand M is any metal in any oxidation state; wherein the values of n, x,and m are associated with a metal coordination number and a number ofcomplex centers in organic molecules H and O. For example, hydroxy acids(citric, oxalic, succinic, malic, etc.), phthalic acid, salicylic acid,acetic acid and derivatives, gluconic acid and derivatives can be usedas multi-valent organic molecules having chelating capacity. In at leastone example, production of the present fertilizer can only include thecarboxylic acids that are known to participate in plant metabolism;specifically citric acid (C₆H₈O₇), gluconic acid (HOCH₂—(CHOH)₄—COOH),oxalic acid (HOOC—COOH), tartaric acid (HOOC—CHOH—CHOH—COOH), and theirderivatives.

In at least one example, a method for the synthesis of heteromolecularmetal complexes can consist of preparing an O-Metal complex, andsubsequently adding the O-Metal complex to the CPFAPH, underpredetermined pH (such as a pH of about 8±1), pressure (such asatmospheric pressure), and temperature conditions (such as about 25±5°C.). For example, the synthesis of a mixture of heteromolecularhumate-molybdenum, cobalt, and nickel citrate complexes can consist oftwo stages: the first stage can be the preparation of Mo, Co, and Nicitrates. For each mole of citric acid, 3 moles of Mo/Co/Ni and 14 molesof ammonia are reacted in an aqueous medium. The solid product obtainedfrom the reaction can contain about 30% by weight of Mo/Co/Ni as amixture of ammoniated Mo/Co/Ni citrate. During the second stage, thesolution of ammoniated Mo/Co/Ni citrate can be mixed in equivalentproportion with a 15% solution of CPFAPH kept under constant stirring.In at least one example, the pH of the reaction can be adjusted to about9. The reaction can be conducted at about 25° C. and a pressure of about1 atmosphere. In at least one example, the reaction can continue at thistemperature and pressure for about 4 hours, the resulting product maycontain about 3% of Mo/Co/Ni by weight, based on a total weight of thedry mass of the solution, chelated by the heteromolecular humate-citratesystem.

The average content of specific chemical elements within the end-productof the fertilizer disclosed herein having a pH (6%) of from about 8 toabout 10, as shown in Table 1, below. The weight percentage for each drymaterial presented in Table 1 are percentage by weight, based on thetotal weight of dry mass in solution.

TABLE 1 Dry Material Weight Percent Organic Substances 80-90 Potassium(K)  8-12 Sodium (Na) 2-4 Sulfur (S) 2-8 Nitrogen (N) 0.5-1.5 Phosphorus(P) 0.5-1.5 Calcium (Ca) 0.5-1   Magnesium (Mg) 0.5-1   Iron (Fe)0.05-1.0  Manganese (Mn) 0.05-0.5  Zinc (Zn) 0.05-0.5  Copper (Cu)0.05-0.5  Boron (B)   0-0.1 Selenium (Se)   0-0.1 Nickel (Ni)   0-0.1Cobalt (Co) 0.05-0.3  Molybdenum (Mo) 0.05-0.3  Vanadium (V)   0-0.1II. Formulation of the Fertilizer

In at least one example, the liquid end-product of the fertilizerdescribed herein can contain from about 15% to about 25% of dry mass,and the end-product may be packed into containers for agricultural use.In at least one other example, the fertilizer can contain about 20% ofdry mass. In at least one example, the fertilizer can include from about20% to about 50% by weight water soluble fertilizing nitrogen andphosphorus compounds, based on the total weight of the fertilizer. Thefertilizer described herein can provide a single source including of allcomponents required to stimulate plant growth. The fertilizerformulation described herein can provide significant conveniences;specifically, use of the fertilizer disclosed herein can eliminate theneed for mixing dry and liquid nutrients, as well as other additives atthe time of application. The disclosure herein further provides a methodof preparing a dry, water-soluble fertilizer to be used in seedtreatment and foliar application.

In at least one example, the end-product of fertilizer can be dried, forexample, using a vacuum spray dryer, operating at a relatively lowtemperature (such as, from about 80° C. to about 90° C.). In thealternative, the fertilized can be dried using a contact drum dryer.After drying, the finished fertilizer can appear in the form of darkbrown granules having granulometry (ISO) 80% 1-2 mm, pH (6%) 8-10 andbulk density loose 1.2 kg/l.

In at least one example, the components of the growth enhancing mixturecan be mixed separately, then added to the end-product of a previouslyformulated fertilizer. In the alternative, the components of the growthenhancing mixture can be added during the preparation of the fertilizercomposition, as described below. The dry components, described in detailabove, can be put through a grinding unit and then placed in a mixer.The liquid components, such as, the organic extracts, can be injected,or sprayed, into the mixer, and blended until a substantially homogenousdry mixture is achieved.

The fertilizer mixtures described herein can remain in dry form withoutclumping upon exposure to high moisture levels. The humic substances,polysaccharides, and other carbohydrates can absorb moisture associatedwith the liquid components to form a stable matrix. Thus, thepolysaccharide and carbohydrate components can be provided in dry formwhen added to the mixer. In additional, the vitamins, growth promoters,and amino acids can also be provided in dry form.

III. Application of the Fertilizer

The fertilizer disclosed herein can be readily adapted for applicationby methods including, but not limited to, drip irrigation, hydroponics,and aeroponics. Prior to seed treatment, the dry fertilizer can bedissolved in pure water (for example, non-chlorinated water) to form thesolution with a mass concentration of about 0.2% to about 1.0% byweight, based on a total weight of the fertilizer solution. In analternative example, the mass concentration can be from about 0.2% toabout 2.0% by weight, based on a total weight of the fertilizersolution. Seeds can be soaked in the fertilizer for several hours priorto planting.

In at least one example of foliar application the fertilizer can beadministered in an amount ranging from about 0.05 to about 0.25 kg perhectare in the form of a water solution with mass concentration fromabout 0.02% to about 0.15% and most preferably about 0.05%. In anotherexample, the fertilizer can be administered in an amount ranging fromabout 0.1 to about 0.5 kg per hectare. In a third example, thefertilizer can be administered in an amount ranging from about 0.045pounds per acre to about 0.225 pounds per acre. In a fourth example, thefertilizer can be administered in an amount ranging from about 0.09pounds per acre to about 0.45 pounds per acre. In fifth example, thefertilizer can be administered in an amount of about 0.135 pounds peracre. In a sixth example, the water solution can have a massconcentration of about 0.05%. In practice, about 2 to about 4 foliarapplications can be applied during vegetation season; however, thefrequency of application can be adjusted based on crops and otherrelevant factors.

In at least one embodiment, the fertilizer can be applied through theuse of one or more spray tanks. The fertilizer can be completely watersoluble, and compatible with common, commercially available, fertilizersand pesticides. The required amount of enhanced fertilizer, or UBPfertilizer, can be added directly into partly filled spray tank underconstant agitation.

In an alternative example, the fertilizer can be dried as describedabove and placed into nutrient solution to be used in drip irrigation,hydrophonics, or aerophonics.

Application of the fertilizer can be adjusted based on crop-specificrecommendations, which can affect one or more of the application method,time of application, rate of application, and fertilization formulation.Some crops which can benefit from the application of the fertilizerdisclosed herein include, but are not limited to, fruits, grapes, nuts,citrus, coffee, watermelon, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, rowcrops (such as cotton, sunflower, corn, wheat, rye, oats, millet,sorghum, rice and soybeans), as well as other edible, commercial, andornamental plants.

In at least one example, the fertilizer described herein can beconfigured for rapid seed and leaf penetration, highly efficientnutrient uptake, and full utilization in plant metabolism. Additionally,use of the fertilizer disclosed herein can decrease the amount ofmineral fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides and insecticides typicallynecessary to promote plant growth by about 25%.

Tests were performed on the disclosed fertilizer to determine yieldafter administration of a standard (commercially available) fertilizerand a fertilizer including the growth enhancing mixture as describedthroughout the application after a specified number of treatments. Thetests allow estimation of the effect of the fertilizer disclosed herein.

The following examples are provided to illustrate the subject matter ofthe present disclosure, including the effect of the fertilizer on cropproduction. These examples are not intended to limit the scope of thepresent disclosure, and should not be so interpreted.

EXAMPLE Example 1

Crop Tested—Wheat

Field Trial Location—Maharashtra, Republic of India,

A first field was tested using a standard fertilization program, thefirst field produced a yield of 2.73 tons per hectare (tons/ha) (or 1.09tons per acre (tons/A)). The average weight of grains per spike was 1.69grams (g).

A second field was tested using the disclosed fertilization programincluding UBP treatment of seeds (0.15 kilograms per ton (kg/ton) (or0.33 pounds per ton (lb/ton))) and 2 foliar UBP treatments (each 0.15kilograms per hectare (kg/ha) (or 0.132 pounds per acre (lb/A))), thesecond field produced a yield of 3.21 tons/ha (1.28 tons/A). The averageweight of grains per spike was 1.78 g.The UBP treatment program provided an increased yield of 0.48 tons/ha(0.19 tons/A), or 17.6% over the standard fertilization program.

Example 2

Crop Tested—Rice

Field Trial Location—Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China

A first field was tested using a standard fertilization program, thefirst field produced a yield of 6.35 tons/ha (2.54 tons/A). The averageweight of 1000 rice grains was 28.5 g and vitreousness 90%.

A second field was tested using the disclosed fertilization programincluding UBP treatment of seeds (0.15 kg/ton (0.33 lb/ton)) and 2foliar UBP treatments (each 0.15 kg/ha (0.132 lb/A)), the second fieldproduced a yield of 7.37 tons/ha (2.95 tons/A). The average weight of1000 rice grains was 30.2 g and vitreousness was 95%.The UBP treatment program provided an increased yield of 1.02 tons/ha(0.41 tons/A), or 16% over the standard fertilization program.

Example 3

Crop Tested—Sorghum

Field Trial Location—Colonia Region, Eastern Republic of Uruguay

A first field was tested using a standard fertilization program, thefirst field produced a yield of 4.381 tons/ha (1.75 tons/A).

A second field was tested using the disclosed fertilization programincluding UBP treatment of seeds (0.15 kg/ton (0.33 lb/ton)) and 2foliar UBP treatments (each 0.15 kg/ha (0.132 lb/A)), the second fieldproduced a yield of 5.514 tons/ha (2.2 tons/A).

The UBP treatment program provided an increased yield of 1.133 tons/ha(0.532 tons/A), or 25.9% over the standard fertilization program.

Example 4

Crop Tested—Soybeans

Field Trial Location—Soriano Region, Eastern Republic of Uruguay

A first field was tested using a standard fertilization program, thefirst field produced a yield of 3.083 tons/ha (1.233 tons/A).

A second field was tested using the disclosed fertilization programincluding UBP treatment of seeds (0.15 kg/ton (0.33 lb/ton)) and 2foliar UBP treatments (each 0.15 kg/ha (0.132 lb/A)), the second fieldproduced a yield of 3.669 tons/ha (1.47 tons/A).

The UBP treatment program provided an increased yield of 0.586 tons/ha(0.234 tons/A), or 19% over the standard fertilization program.

Example 5

Crop Tested—Borlotto beans

Field Trial Location—Marche Region, Italian Republic

A first field was tested using a standard fertilization program, thefirst field produced a yield of 3.2 tons/ha (1.28 tons/A).

A second field was tested using the disclosed fertilization programincluding UBP treatment of seeds (0.15 kg/ton (0.33 lb/ton)) and 2foliar UBP treatments (each 0.15 kg/ha (0.132 lb/A)), the second fieldproduced a yield of 3.7 tons/ha (1.48 tons/A).

The UBP treatment program provided an increased yield of 0.5 tons/ha(0.2 tons/A), or 15.6% over the standard fertilization program.

Example 6

Crop Tested—Tomatoes

Field Trial Location—Kuban Region, Russian Federation

A first field was tested using a standard fertilization program, thefirst field produced a yield of 27.5 tons/ha (11 tons/A). The averagecontent of sugar in tomatoes was 3.1% and average content of ascorbicacid was 32 milligrams (mg) per 100 g of wet mass.A second field was tested using the disclosed fertilization programincluding UBP treatment of seeds (0.15 kg/ton (0.33 lb/ton)) and 2foliar UBP treatments (each 0.15 kg/ha (0.132 lb/A)), the second fieldproduced a yield of 32.5 tons/ha (13 tons/A). The average content ofsugar and ascorbic acid in tomatoes was 3.6% and 40 mg per 100 g of wetmass, respectively.The UBP treatment program provided an increased yield of 5 tons/ha (2tons/A), or 18.2% over the standard fertilization program.

Example 7

Crop Tested—Sugar beet

Field Trial Location—Kuban Region, Russian Federation

A first field was tested using a standard fertilization program, thefirst field produced a yield of 33 tons/ha (13.2 tons/A). The averagecontent of sugar in root-crop was 16.9%.

A second field was tested using the disclosed fertilization programincluding UBP treatment of seeds (0.15 kg/ton (0.33 lb/ton)) and 2foliar UBP treatments (each 0.15 kg/ha (0.132 lb/A)), the second fieldproduced a yield of 38.7 tons/ha (15.5 tons/A). The average content ofsugar in root-crops was 18.2%.The UBP treatment program provided an increased yield of 5.7 tons/ha(2.3 tons/A), or 17.3% over the standard fertilizing program.

Example 8

Crop Tested—Potatoes

Field Trial Location—Czech Republic

A first field was tested using a standard fertilization program, thefirst field produced a yield of 29.5 tons/ha (11.8 tons/A). The averagecontent of starch in root-crop was 17.8%.

A second field was tested using the disclosed fertilization programincluding UBP treatment of seed-roots (0.15 kg/ton (0.33 lb/ton)) and 2foliar UBP treatments (each 0.15 kg/ha (0.132 lb/A)), the second fieldproduced a yield of 35.1 tons/ha (14 tons/A). The average content ofstarch in root-crops was 19.9%.The UBP treatment program provided an increased yield of 5.6 tons/ha(2.24 tons/A), or 19% over the standard fertilizing program.

Example 9

Crop Tested—Cotton

Field Trial Location—Tashkent Region, Republic of Uzbekistan

A first field was tested using a standard fertilization program, thefirst field produced a yield of 2.86 tons/ha (1.14 tons/A).

A second field was tested using the disclosed fertilization programincluding UBP treatment of seeds (0.15 kg/ton (0.33 lb/ton)) and 2foliar UBP treatments (each 0.15 kg/ha (0.132 lb/A)), the second fieldproduced a yield of 3.39 tons/ha (1.36 tons/A).

The UBP treatment program provided an increased yield of 0.53 tons/ha(0.21 tons/A), or 18.5% over the standard fertilizing program.

Example 10

Crop Tested—Sorghum

Field Trial Location—Illinois, United States of America

A first field was tested using a standard fertilization program, thefirst field produced a yield of 6.78 tons/ha (100.7 bushels per acre(bushels/A)).

A second field was tested using the disclosed fertilization programincluding UBP treatment of seeds (0.15 kg/ton (0.33 lb/ton)) and 2foliar UBP treatments (each 0.15 kg/ha (0.132 lb/A)), the second fieldproduced a yield of 8.0 tons/ha (119.3 bushels/A).

The UBP treatment program provided an increased yield of 1.2 tons/ha(18.6 bushels/A), or 18.5% over the standard fertilizing program.

Example 11

Crop Tested—Soybeans

Field Trial Location—Illinois, United States of America

A first field was tested using a standard fertilization program, thefirst field produced a yield of 3.55 tons/ha (52.8 bushels/A).

A second field was tested using the disclosed fertilization programincluding UBP treatment of seeds (0.15 kg/ton (0.33 lb/ton)) and 2foliar UBP treatments (each 0.15 kg/ha (0.132 lb/A)), the second fieldproduced a yield of 4.17 tons/ha (62 bushels/A).

The UBP treatment program provided an increased yield of 0.62 tons/ha(9.2 bushels/A), or 17.5% over the standard fertilizing program.

As shown in the above examples, even minimal, such as two-time, foliartreatments of plants with the fertilizer including UBP led tosignificant increases in the crop yield and improvement of the qualityof the products.

IV. Method of Manufacture

In at least one example, the fertilizer disclosed herein can be producedusing the following two-stage method. First, biopolymers can bedecomposed in a water substratum, then the resulting hydrolyzates can bepolymerized.

In at least one example, the initial water substratum, or pulp (such aspeat pulp), can include vegetable raw materials and/or the acid oralkaline-catalyzed hydrolyzates thereof. In at least one example, theinitial water substratum is a water solution of sodium and/or potassiumlignosulphonates. In an alternative example, the initial watersubstratum is a water solution of fulvic and humic acids. In yet anotheralternative example, the initial water substratum is a water solution ofhumates including, but not limited to, sodium humate and/or potassiumhumate. In yet another alternative example, the initial water substratumis a water solution of fulvic acid and humates including, but notlimited to, sodium humate and/or potassium humate.

The raw materials of the substratum can include a total dry substancecontent of from about 5% to about 40%, based on the total weight of thewater substratum. The dry substance of substratum can include, but isnot limited to, cellulose, hemicelluloses, starch, and pectin and/or theacid or alkaline catalyzed hydrolyzates thereof. The acid-catalyzedhydrolysis of the substratum can use strong acids including, but notlimited to, hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄). Thealkaline-catalyzed hydrolysis of the substratum can use, but is notlimited to, potassium hydroxide (KOH), and/or sodium hydroxide (NaOH).The reaction mixture can include from about 0.5% to about 5.0% by weightacid or alkali, based on a total weight of the initial water substratum.In at least one embodiment, the pH of the substratum is increasedthroughout the decomposition process to become a mixture ofbase-catalyzed hydrolyzates.

The decomposition process can be performed at, in at least oneembodiment, a temperature of from about 60° C. to about 90° C. and apressure of about atmospheric pressure (1 atm). The process can includephysical or mechanical stirring and simultaneous treatment of thesubstratum with an oxygen containing gas including, but not limited to,hot air. The decomposition can be allowed to continue for from about 1hour to about 3 hours. In at least one example, the decompositionprocess can be performed using electrolysis. The method can includeusing an electrolyser having intensive pneumatic stirring and electrodecurrent density from about 10 to about 50 ampere per square meter.

During second stage, hydrolyzates of the filtrate of the end-product ofthe first stage are polymerized. The polymerization process can beperformed at from about 50° C. to about 90° C. and atmospheric pressure(1 atm), and can include physical or mechanical stirring for a period ofabout 1 hour to about 2 hours. Into the filtrate of the end-product ofthe first stage can be introduced salts of catalytically active metalsincluding, but not limited to, alkaline earth metals (including, but notlimited to, calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), which are consideredsecondary nutrients for the purposes herein), and transition metals(including, but not limited to, vanadium (V), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe),cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), molybdenum (Mo), whichare considered micro nutrients for the purposes herein). The presence ofthese homogenous catalysts, as described above, in the reaction mixtureof the polymerization stage accelerates the formation of soluble highmolecular weight biopolymers with metals in the polymer structure.

While the above embodiments have been described in detail in theforegoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative andnot restrictive in character, it being understood that only someembodiments have been described and that all changes and modificationsthat come within the spirit of the embodiments are desired to beprotected.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for producing a fertilizer comprising:providing an initial water substratum comprising peat pulp,lignosulphonates, fulvic acid, humic acid, and a growth enhancingcomponent dispersed within a liquid, the growth enhancing componentcomprising one or more vitamins and at least one component selected froma group comprising growth promoters, amino acids, carbohydrates,polysaccharides or combinations thereof; performing a hydrolysisreaction to decompose the initial water substratum to producehydrolyzates; and performing a polymerization of the hydrolyzates toproduce a co-polymer of fulvic acid and poly-metallic humates (CPFAPH).2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of raw materials of theinitial water substratum has a total dry substance content of from about5% to about 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the initialwater substratum.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the decomposingstage is carried out at a temperature of from about 60° C. to about 90°C.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the hydrolysis reaction furthercomprises treating the initial water substratum with hot air.
 5. Themethod of claim 4, wherein the hydrolysis reaction further compriseselectrolysis via an electrolyser having intensive pneumatic stirring andan electrode current density of from about 10 to about 50 ampere persquare meter.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the hydrolysis reactionoccurs over a period of from about 1 hour to about 3 hours.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the polymerization is carried out at atemperature of from about 50° C. to about 90° C.
 8. The method of claim1, wherein the polymerization is carried out at about atmosphericpressure.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the polymerization furthercomprises adding one or more catalytically active metals.
 10. The methodof claim 9, further comprising stirring the hydrolyzates after the oneor more catalytically active metals is added for a period of about 1 toabout 2 hours.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein in an acid-catalyzedhydrolysis the liquid of the initial water substratum contains fromabout 0.5% to about 5.0% by weight acid, based on the total weight ofthe initial water substratum.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein theacid of the acid-catalyzed hydrolysis is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), andcombinations thereof.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein in abase-catalyzed hydrolysis the liquid of the initial water substratumcontains from about 0.5% to about 5.0% by weight alkali, based on thetotal weight of the initial water substratum.
 14. The method of claim13, wherein the alkali of the base-catalyzed hydrolysis is selected fromthe group consisting of potassium hydroxide (KOH), sodium hydroxide(NaOH), and combinations thereof.
 15. A method for producing afertilizer comprising: providing an initial water substratum comprisingpeat pulp, lignosulphonates, fulvic acid, humic acid, and vegetable rawmaterials dispersed within a liquid; performing a hydrolysis reaction todecompose the initial water substratum to produce hydrolyzates; andperforming a polymerization of the hydrolyzates to produce a co-polymerof fulvic acid and poly-metallic humates (CPFAPH).
 16. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the initial water substratum has a total dry substancecontent of from about 5% to about 40% by weight, based on the totalweigh of the initial water substratum.
 17. The method of claim 15,wherein the polymerization further comprises adding one or morecatalytically active metals.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein thehydrolysis is an acid-catalyzed hydrolysis, and wherein in theacid-catalyzed hydrolysis the liquid of the initial water substratumcontains from about 0.5% to about 5.0% by weight acid, based on thetotal weight of the initial water substratum.
 19. The method of claim15, wherein the hydrolysis is a base-catalyzed hydrolysis, and whereinin the base-catalyzed hydrolysis the liquid of the initial watersubstratum contains from about 0.5% to about 5.0% by weight alkali,based on the total weight of the initial water substratum.